Only because I can't go to bed yet...

[bloodsong1]

Walter led the GetBackers down a long, twisting hallway. Ban and Gingi kept glancing around, noting antique furniture, masterwork paintings, plush carpeting. The Hellsings were, apparently, loaded. Walter stopped in front of a random door and knocked.

"Yes?" A well-modulated voice called.

"Masters Midou and Amano to see you, Sir Integral."

"Send them in." Walter opened the door and bowed the recovery boys into the room. Ban entered first, glancing all around. A checkerboard floor, a few paintings, fireplace burning brightly and a platinum blonde sitting behind a large oak desk. Twin desk lamps provided the only other illumination in the room.

"Good evening, Midou-san, Amano-san. Welcome to the Hellsing Organization. Please, have a seat." The blonde waved to two leather armchairs set in front of the desk. Ban and Gingi walked over and sat down gingerly. The blonde lowered gloved hands, revealing a very pretty face. "I am Sir Integral Hellsing. Would either of you care for something to drink? It is rather damp tonight, hopefully you have not caught a chill skulking around my grounds."

"You're a woman." Ban said, eyeing Integral. She folded her hands on her desk. Gingi gaped and blushed.

"Yes. Very astute of you, Midou-san. But you have not answered my question." Integral's lips twitched slightly.

"Coffee. Black, please." Ban said. Gingi finally recovered from his shock.

"I'd love some of your British tea!"

"You are in luck, Amano-san. Walter makes the best tea in the kingdom." Integral nodded to Walter, who walked over to a small bar near the fireplace. "I hope you had a pleasant trip?"

"Oh, it was great! We flew first class and everything!" Gingi chirped. This Sir Integral wasn't so bad! She was even offering them drinks! Ban shot Gingi a dirty look.

"Since you know our names and our gifts," he waved the banded arm. "I presume you also know our mission?"

"You are looking for someone you think is in my employ." Walter returned with a tray. Catching Ban's eye, the butler took a swallow from each cup before placing it in front of the respective person. When Ban frowned, Walter smiled cheerfully. Gingi sipped his tea.

"Wow! This is really good, Mr. Walter. Thank you!"

"Just Walter, if you please sir." Walter winked at Integral and retreated to the bar. Integral sipped her own cup of coffee. Ban, noting how everyone's eyes had shifted to him, sighed and tasted his. His eyebrows went up.

"This is good. Where did you get it?"

"I buy direct. Being an aristocrat does occasionally have advantages." Integral sipped her coffee again, then set down the silver cup and folded her hands on her desk. "Now, who are you looking for?"

"Her name is Victoria Saras. Young, blonde, a former cop. Reported to have died in a firefight out in Cheddar." Ban watched Integral closely. Something about this British woman set his hackles off.

"Ah yes. Our police girl. I know her."

"She isn't dead?" Gingi asked eagerly. Integral's mouth actually smirked.

"Not...exactly."

"What do you mean?" Ban asked, glancing around the room. There was something going on here. He could smell it.

"Victoria is currently on assignment. I do not expect her back before dawn and she will need her rest. Would you come back tomorrow night, say, around 11 o'clock? I will make sure she is ready to receive you. You are not planning on taking her back to Japan, are you? She is quite valuable to me."

"That should be up to her, shouldn't it, Miss Integral?" Gingi asked, finishing his tea.

"That is SIR Integral, Amano-san. I am a Knight of the Realm." Gingi spit out his tea, spraying several papers. Integral frowned at the mess.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Gingi moved to clean up, but Walter's hand stopped him. Gingi blinked in surprise as Walter swept up the damp papers and took them back to his post.

"A knight? Shouldn't you be called Dame Integral, then?" Ban asked skeptically. Integral turned her frown on him. Ban met her gaze head on. The two crossed swords, parried, thrust, then blinked. A draw.

"There are good reasons for my title, as I am sure there are reasons for your success rate. Will 11 be acceptable to you gentlemen?"

"You can't make it sooner?" Ban asked. Integral gave a slight shrug.

"I am afraid not. Victoria is part of our night shift, it suits her best."

"I guess that'll have to do then." Gingi stood. Ban slowly followed suit, glancing around the room again. If he didn't know better, he'd swear there was someone else, watching.

"What about the cuffs?" Ban asked, turning his gaze back on Integral. The smirk returned as she stood.

"They will be removed at the front door. If you return tomorrow and knock politely, I do not see a need for them. If, however, you return the way you did tonight, they go back on and I will include an armed escort. Am I clear?"

"Perfectly." Ban smirked and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Until tomorrow night then, SIR Integral."

"I look forward to it. Walter, please escort our guests to the front door."

"As you wish, Miss Integral." Walter appeared at Gingi's side, grinning.

"Good evening, gentlemen."

"Good night, Sir Integral!"

"Good night." Ban and Gingi left the study, escorted by Walter. Once they reached the front door, Walter did...something...and removed both cuffs.

"Thank you for your cooperation, gentlemen."

Ban rubbed his wrist, staring angrily at the cuff. "I'd love to know how you did it." Walter grinned, pocketed the cuffs and opened the door.

"I have taken the liberty of arranging a car for you. Just go straight down the path to the gates. Our driver will take you back to your hotel. Do stay on the path and do not try to wander off."

"Sure thing, Walter. Thanks again for the tea, it was great!" Gingi shook Walter's hand. Ban merely nodded.

"It was my pleasure, Master Amano."

"Please! Call me Gingi."